Prince George business owners remain resilient throughout COVID-19 pandemic

While the pandemic continues to take a toll on local businesses in Prince George, Colleen Van Mook, Executive Director for Downtown PG says 2020 has highlighted a number of positive attributes in small business owners.

“With regards to downtown Prince George where we represent over 500 businesses there’s been a great demonstration of entrepreneurship, how creative people can be and how hard they’re working to stay in business and keep their customers,” said Van Mook.

She explained that once the pandemic hit in March, small business owners had to work hard on getting the word out that they were still open and find creative ways to stay afloat.

“Some of the small businesses in PG have just found different ways to accommodate their customers through pickup, delivery, curbside and even a little bit of e-commerce where they’ve really found a way to reimagine how they do business,” explained Van Mook.

The landscape of downtown has changed dramatically over the year as well, according to Van Mook,  projects like the opening of the Parkhouse condos and pool construction have welcomed more visitors to the downtown area.

“With the Hyatt opening, even though they’re opening in different times they’re trying hard to be a good neighbour and a good addition to downtown,” she added.

The pandemic isn’t the only thing that’s been impacting small business in PG, social issues contributing to addiction and drug-related violence have impacted local businesses in the downtown area as well.

“Downtowns all over the province and country are really uncertain of how to help the situation of people with mental health and addictions issues and homelessness,” stated Van Mook.

However, she explained that Downtown PG has a lot of good relationships with the organizations that help combat homelessness and drug abuse in the community as well.

“We’re trying to work with the government and our providers to do the best we can for the people who aren’t as fortunate and maybe need more help,” she said.